It seems that Apollos was a powerful individual. His personality and teaching was the source of division in Corinth. He was a former disciple of John the Baptist. And here it is clear that he came to the community with many gifts: eloquence, zeal, and intelligence. These are not always enough! Aquila and Priscilla had to give him a bit of catechesis. No one can claim that their gifts or their knowledge are sufficient. We always need to learn more. And not only that, we have to be humble enough to learn from each other. The gifts that we are given are for the good of the community, not for exalting ourselves.

As Jesus prepares to depart from this earth, He assures His followers that the day is coming when God will grant whatever they ask in His name. This is because His return to the Father means spiritual empowerment for those who believe in Him. They will have direct access to the Father. Do we feel that God grants what we ask for? Are we ever frustrated or disappointed? But asking for something in Jesus' name does not mean using His name like some sort of magic word. There are no easy shortcuts. Asking for something in His name means with the same mind and heart. A heart filled with bitterness, negativity, doubt, or cynicism does not provide an easy channel for God's power. Let us ask again - with more patience, forgiveness, and love - and see if the voice we send heavenward is clearer.